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11 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day

Regardless of age, rainy days are a sure fire way to bring a mood down. For kids, it's because they can't play outdoors. For older adults, it's due to lack of sunshine and spending your days indoors while the grey skies loom outside.

Rainy Days can Weigh on Our Moods

Perhaps when you were younger, the rain didn’t hold you back from having a good time. Maybe you even ran through a downpour, or puddle or two just for the mere fun of getting drenched. But now, rainy days are long, lethargic, and not very fun. They are just a downer! The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to elevate your mood and have a good time on a rainy day. Next time you feel like the gloomy skies are affecting your spirit, think of these fun, active ways to spend your day!

Rainy Day Tip #1 – Play Board Games

Get together with a couple of friends and enjoy an afternoon or evening of board games and card games. Make it a fun occasion and enjoy a nice lunch or dinner, or just include plenty of healthy snacks. If you're alone, find games that you enjoy and that can be played alone. Games will make the time pass and keep you sharp.

Rainy Day Tip #2 - Read a Good Book

A rainy day is the perfect time to submerge yourself in a good book. If it’s raining out a person won’t want to go out to the library. I like snuggling in with a good book on a rainy day – can some interesting copy be written geared towards this?

Rainy Day Tip #3 - Visit a Friend or Family Member

Getting social and ‘out and about’ on a rainy day will help you avoid feeling lonely and down on a rainy day. If you don’t feel like going outside, call and ask friends to visit you, or meet within your senior living community, if possible.

Rainy Day Tip #4 - Challenge Yourself with a Crossword Puzzle

Find a challenging crossword puzzle and exercise your mind. Puzzles can help pass time, get your mind off a gloomy day, and keep your brain healthy.

Rainy Day Tip #5 - Watch a Good TV Show

Enjoy an afternoon or evening of relaxation, watching your favorite TV programs. Try to watch a good comedy for a nice laugh or a nostalgic show you enjoy. Laughter is what you need on a rainy day to make up for the lack of vitamin D.

Rainy Day Tip #6 - Work on a Knitting or Crochet Project

If you're good at knitting or crocheting, now's the time to get started on a new project. With warmer weather just around the corner, knit or crochet a spring project that you can keep for yourself or give to a friend or relative.

Rainy Day Tip #7 - Indoor Sunshine

Usually, on rainy days it can be pretty gray outdoors. You can make up for this lack of sunshine by keeping things bright indoors with indoor lighting. On a rainy day, it's okay to close the curtains and turn a light on to brighten things up.

Rainy Day Tip #8 - Social Networking

If you're feeling alone and you're unable to visit with a friend or loved one, why not get social with social networking? If you have a social media account such as Facebook, say hello to a friend or two and catch up on news and photos.

Rainy Day Tip #9 - Take a Nap

A rainy day is the perfect time to enjoy an afternoon nap if your schedule allows you to. Curl up with a cozy blanket and set a timer for a nice little catnap.

Rainy Day Tip #10 - Do a Puzzle

Whether you enjoy building puzzles or not, putting together a challenging puzzle is the perfect thing to do on a rainy day. Puzzles are a great activity to keep you busy, and you can do them alone or with a friend.

Rainy Day Tip #11 - Get Crafty

Find a fun craft to put together if you enjoy doing crafts. If you're not familiar with crafting, search the Internet for crafting ideas, join your community crafting group, or pick up a book full of crafting ideas to keep on-hand for the next time it rains.

Now, the next time the weather is dreary and gray, pull out this list to avoid boredom and gloomy feelings with something fun to do to keep those spirits high!

The communities at Walker offer everyone peace of mind while residents can enjoy the active social life they enjoy,both physically and mentally. To learn more about life enrichment opportunities, click here.

Written by Anneliese Peterson

As the Vice President of Operations, Anneliese Peterson manages the operations and services provided by Walker Methodist’s housing communities. This includes providing leadership and vision for each site in their effort to offer the highest quality customer service.